Stomach Inflammation and Pain in the Gastrointestinal Tract – Getting to the Root

byAdmin - Cynthia PerkinsonApril 8, 2009

Today we help a visitor explore what may be causing their stomach inflammation by taking a look at some of the most common causes of pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

Hi Cynthia, I am David and live in South Africa. I have a problem with inflammation of my intestines (stomach). I am currently using lozac, which is helping, but as soon as i am off it, the pain returns. I have most of the symptoms of Candida overgrowth. I went for a urine test yesterday and still awaiting the results. I do not know if I have leaky gut syndrome. Is there a test that can pinpoint this? What can I do about this inflammation?

Hi David,

Well it depends on where the stomach inflammation is located on which course of action we would take. The stomach and the intestines are two different organs. Although Candida can make everything in the entire gastrointestinal tract inflamed, if there is another culprit, stomach pain could have different causes than intestinal pain.

In the gastrointestinal tract or stomach area we have the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, appendix and large intestine also known as the colon. Inflammation could be occurring in any of these areas and it is also possible that pain can be experienced in one area of the body while the true source of inflammation lies in another area of the body.

Pain in the gastrointestinal tract or stomach inflammation can be the result of many things, which may include the following:

Candida Overgrowth

Stomach Ulcer

Helicobacter pylori (h pylori) or other bacteria

Parasites

Lack of sufficient digestive enzymes

Lack of healthy bacteria

Colon isn’t functioning properly and causing constipation

Poor colon health

Food allergies or food sensitivities

Environmental toxins

Gluten or casein sensitivity

Poor diet

Leaky gut

It depends on which conditions we’re dealing with that determines what steps we’ll take to reduce inflammation. You’ll have to work through the list and rule things out so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

It’s important to rule things out or in such as an ulcer, because the steps one would take to reduce pain caused by an ulcer would be different than the steps one would take for a deficiency in hydrochloric acid. Sometimes burning in the stomach, esophagus etc. can be the result of a true ulcer, but it can also be the result of a deficiency in hydrochloric acid, Candida overgrowth or h pylori. So it’s crucial to know for sure, because if you treat an ulcer when you have a deficiency in hydrochloric acid you will make the condition worse and vice versa.

Keep in mind that stomach inflammation or pain in the gastrointestinal tract is usually not the result of just one factor, it’s usually a combination of things. For example, Candida overgrowth is often accompanied by food allergies, food sensitivities, poor colon health, sensitivities to environmental toxins, leaky gut, lack of healthy bacteria and insufficient digestive enzymes.

Also, keep in mind that tests for Candida are not very reliable. If a test you had comes back telling you that you don’t have Candida, that is not necessarily true. They are notorious for misdiagnosis. The most reliable testing methods are the spit test and the written test in Dr. Crooks book called The Yeast Connection. The most reliable way to identify Candida overgrowth is by the symptoms exhibited. You can find more in depth information on Candida in the Candida section of my website or my ebook Candida Secrets.

Stomach ulcers and food allergy testing must be performed by a doctor. Parasites, digestive enzymes and lack of bacteria can be identified with a stool test from Genova Labs also known as Great Smokies Lab. Helicobacter can be identified with a blood test or a breath test or stool test from Genova Labs.

Leaky gut or intestinal permeability can be identified with a stool test as well, but the most common and effective testing procedure is called The Mannitol and Lactulose test or Intestinal Permeability Test from Genova Labs, formerly known as Great Smokies Lab. This is a simple test you can do at home by ordering their kit.

Genova Labs or Great Smokies lab has been a leader in the health care field for more than 20 years, is well respected and revered for their high quality and innovative testing. You can find a variety of sites on the Internet where you can purchase their stool test, breath test and Intestinal Permeability Test. I also offer the tests, if you’re interested you can contact me directly.

Food sensitivities, which are much more common than food allergies, gluten intolerance or casein intolerance can be identified with the ALCAT test.

I’m not very familiar with South Africa, so I don’t know how advanced they are in terms of alternative medicine options. However, I believe you have some choices available to you. So I would encourage you to find an alternative medicine doctor to help you rule out some of the more serious issues or one’s that require testing from a medical doctor. Then take each of the issues on the list above and research them yourself thoroughly. I also offer consultation by phone or email, if you need more personal guidance.

Regardless of which condition we are facing, there are a few steps that can be taken to improve the gastrointestinal tract and reduce stomach inflammation, which includes eating lots of fresh meat and vegetables, consuming adequate fat, drinking plenty of water, exercise daily, take digestive enzymes and probiotics, avoid sugar, caffeine, grains, legumes, white flour and other refined or junk foods.

Hi Shiela, These are common symptoms of Candida. However, they can also be symptoms of bacteria or parasites. You might want to consider the GI Effects test to identify other potential unfriendly organisms. You can learn more about the test on the following page:

Those symptoms sound more like H pylori than candida. Burning in the stomach can also be an ulcer, but the most common cause of an ulcer is H pylori. I’d consider being tested for h pylori with the GI effects test.

Severe pain all over abdomen from just below ribs to above pelvis. Been diagnosed with candida for yrs. eat great on & off. Always take probiotics. Took antibiotics 2 wks ago due to severe UTI with blood. Tried everything to clear UTI naturally but it kept getting worse. Abdominal paid all over for 2 hrs. Hurts to touch Hurts to move. Not constipated. Been taking Oregano oil, nutri west yeast redux & dr mercola probiotics & shaklee pre & probiotics for 2 wks (& other supps). Another symptom is cough, trouble with breath, also skin issues that appear as psoriasis. I welcome any advice info. Normally very functional, highly active but currently in a lot of pain